Historical records of the 91st Argyllshire ... - waughfamily.ca

144 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF THE1846. In forming a moderate estimate of what we couldsee of the enemy's numbers, I should computethem at 2000, and all apparentlyarmed withfirearms. As their numbers were increasingevery moment, and they seemed closing upon us,I determined on ascending the heights withoutdelay, so as to gainthe flats andgetclear of thebush. The outlet was up a steep, rugged path,about three-quarters of a mile in length, thicklywooded on either side, but more particularly onour left. As soon as we commenced the ascent(the burgher Hottentots skirmishing in our front),the Kaffirs opened a heavy fire upon us fromfront and both flanks. We continued advancing,When about half-steadily firing to both flanks.way up, the Kaffirs closed on our rear, so that wewere entirely surrounded. I then ordered mymen to fix bayonets and fire a volley in the thickbush on our left, from which the hottest of theenemy's fire proceeded. This for a short timesilenced their fire in that direction, when weagain pushed up, keeping up a constant fire toour flanks as before. On gaining the top,I formedthe men in line to the rear, and commenced firingon the Kaffirs, who were now emerging from thebush.My men were much done up, owing to the